Radiological and Nuclear Threats
Radiological and nuclear threats include nuclear weapons and dirty bombs. Both spread radioactive materials, but a nuclear explosion would have a far reaching impact while a dirty bomb would affect a more targeted area. Intentional release of radioactive material is another form of terrorism.
For more information on radiological and nuclear threats, please visit the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness webpage
North Anna Nuclear Power Station
Portions of Spotsylvania and Caroline counties fall within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone for North Anna Power Station. In the event of an emergency at the power station, the State Health Commissioner may recommend that individuals within the affected area take potassium iodide (KI). KI can help block radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid gland, thus protecting this gland from radiation injury. The health department does not hand out these tablets at their offices. In the event a nuclear power plant accident results in a sufficient release of radioiodine to justify distribution of KI; Rappahannock Area Health District officials would make it available to the public at designated Evacuation Assembly Centers (EACs). See the map below to check if you reside in the 10 mile planning zone and locate the EACs.
Public health officials routinely work with the private sector as well as state, local and federal agencies to prepare for the unlikely event of a radiological emergency at the power station.
Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined by how the disease spreads, not how many deaths it causes. When a new influenza A virus emerges, a flu pandemic can occur. Since the virus is new, the human population has little to no immunity against it. The virus spreads quickly from person-to-person worldwide. Check out the table below for additional information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional information on pandemic influenza can be found at http://www.flu.gov.
Biological Agents
A biological agent is a bacterium, virus or other biological substance that can cause disease. Bioterrorism involves the use of any of these biological agents with the intent to cause harm.
For more information on biological agents, please visit the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness webpage by clicking here.
Chemical Agents
A chemical agent is a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can harm people or the environment. Chemical Terrorism involves the use of any of these chemical agents with the intent to cause harm.
For more information on chemical agents, please visit the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness webpage by clicking here.
For more information, visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)
VDH Office of Radiological Health
Dominion Virginia Power
Reporting Threats or Suspicious Activity
If you receive a threat or hear rumors of a threat, you should dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Please click here for additional information on what to do if you receive a bioterrorism threat.
Suspicious activity should be reported to local law enforcement or the Virginia Terrorism Hotline at 1-877-4VA-TIPS or 1-877-482-8477. You can also report suspicious activity online by visiting the Virginia Fusion Center website.